A09365:1455
The Whole Treatise of the Cases of Conscience
The whole treatise of the cases of conscience distinguished into three books: the first whereof is revised and corrected in sundry places, and the other two annexed. Taught and delivered by M. W. Perkins in his holy-day lectures, carefully examined by his own briefs, and now published together for the common good, by T. Pickering Bachelor of Divinity. Whereunto is adjoined a twofold table: one of the heads and number of the questions propounded and resolved; another of the principal texts of Scripture which are either explained, or vindicated from corrupt interpretation.The whole treatise of the cases of conscience distinguished into three bookes: the first whereof is revised and corrected in sundrie places, and the other two annexed. Taught and deliuered by M. W. Perkins in his holy-day lectures, carefully examined by his owne briefes, and now published together for the common good, by T. Pickering Bachelour of Diuinitie. Whereunto is adioyned a twofold table: one of the heads and number of the questions propounded and resolued; another of the principall texts of Scripture vvhich are either explaned, or vindicated from corrupt interpretation.
Cambridge: printed by John Legat, 1606Cambridge: printed by Iohn Legat, 1606
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Secondly, it is alleged, that if a man take not a challenge, he is disgraced for ever. Ans. There is no warrant in Gods word, for a private man to accept a challenge. Nay, it is rather flat against the word. For God says, Revenge is mine. The private man says the contrary, The wrong is mine, and I will be avenged of him that hath done it. Again, it is better for any man, to endure a little reproach with some men, then to loose or hazard his life.
Secondly, it is alleadged, that if a man take not a chalenge, he is disgraced for euer. Ans. There is no warrant in Gods word, for a priuate man to accept a chalenge. Nay, it is rather flat against the word. For God saies, Reuenge is mine. The priuate man saies the contrarie, The wrong is mine, and I will be auenged of him that hath done it. Again, it is better for any man, to indure a little reproch with some men, then to loose or hazard his life.
Thirdly, it is objected, that the Philistines offered to try the victory by a single combat with the Israelites, and appointed Goliath (on their side) to give the Challenge; and that David (on the Israelites side) accepting the challenge, encountered with him, and had good success. It may seem therefore, that combats are lawful.. For it is better that one man should perish in war, then that a whole army should miscarry. Ans. That was ⟨p. 503⟩a special and extraordinary example of trial, and David was a champion in that fight, not by ordinary appointment, but by extraordinary prophetical instinct of Gods spirit. Again, in war, though there be less danger in hazarding one mans life, then a whole army: yet a good & just cause is to be maintained, with all the strength that may be made, and not to depend upon the power and courage of one man, who, in probability, unless he be supported by special calling and assistance from God, may be overcome and loose the victory.
Thirdly, it is obiected, that the Philistims offered to trie the victorie by a single combate with the Israelites, and appointed Goliah (on their side) to giue the Chalenge; and that Dauid (on the Israelites side) accepting the chalenge, encountred with him, and had good successe. It may seeme therefore, that combates are lawfull.. For it is better that one man should perish in warre, then that a whole armie should miscarie. Ans. That was